Using a mortgage broker online
Online mortgage broker NZ: how it works and how to get started
A mortgage broker can talk through your options without you having to trudge from bank to bank, and doing it online means you can start from the couch whenever suits you. Here is how it generally works. We're a referral service, so when you're ready you can tell us a little about your plans and we'll arrange for someone to get in touch to discuss your options.
Quick take
Start from home.
Fill in one short form on your phone or laptop, at a time that suits you.
Brokers usually work with a range of lenders.
Which lenders and what they offer depends on the broker and on your situation.
Good for lots of situations.
First home, moving, refinancing, topping up or buying a rental.
A chat, not a commitment.
Getting in touch is just a chat, with no obligation to go ahead.
What a mortgage broker generally does
- Talks through your situation. Things like your deposit, income and plans help shape which options might be worth a look.
- Explains the options. That can include fixed terms, floating, splitting your loan and what the paperwork involves.
- Helps with the application. A broker can often take care of a good chunk of the paperwork so it's less of a headache.
Why people go online
- It's convenient. No need to take time off work for a meeting in town, as most of it can be done by phone, email or video.
- It works anywhere in NZ. Whether you're in a city or a small town, the process looks much the same.
- You can do it in your own time. Fill in the form after the kids are in bed and someone will get in touch when you've said suits you.
How it works
Going it alone vs talking to a mortgage broker
| Approaching lenders yourself | Talking to a mortgage broker | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you start | Separately with each lender | One conversation first |
| Options you hear about | Only that lender's | Can be a wider range, depending on the broker |
| Paperwork | Repeated for each lender | Can often be gathered once |
| Time it takes | Can add up quickly | Often less running around |
| Cost to you | Depends on the lender | Varies, so ask upfront |
What to have handy
- Roughly what you earn and how you're paid
- Your deposit or the equity you might use
- Details of any loans, credit cards or other debts
- A rough idea of what you'd like to buy or borrow
- Your current mortgage details, if you have one
Not sure which page suits you?
If you're buying for the first time or moving, these pages go into a bit more detail on each situation.
Get in touch to talk through your options
About 2 minutes. We gather a few details and arrange for someone to get in touch to discuss your options.
Common questions
- What is an online mortgage broker?
- It's a mortgage broker you deal with mostly by phone, email or video instead of in an office. The service is the same in principle, it's just more convenient.
- Do I need a mortgage broker in NZ?
- No, you can go to a lender directly. Plenty of people like having someone talk through the options first, especially if their situation is a bit different.
- How much does a mortgage broker cost?
- It varies, so it's worth asking upfront how a broker is paid.
- Which lenders will I hear about?
- That depends on the broker and on your situation. Each lender sets its own criteria, which can change.
- What happens after I leave my details?
- We gather a few details and arrange for someone to get in touch at the time you choose to discuss your options. There is no obligation.